Nothing can be more annoying than having difficulty adjusting yourself on a sit-in kayak. However, rest assured, footpegs are here to save the day. These remarkable accessories are capable of providing additional comfort and support while kayaking. Similarly, the traction system offers adjustments up to 15 inches. Thereby making it ideal for consumers of different heights.
Modern products are also available with a hardware kit that contains stainless steel bolts and nuts. These are weather-resistant in nature and can be used in a variety of weather conditions without worrying about damage or rusting. Therefore, we have included the 5 best kayak footpegs and everything you need to know about them from installation to their specification and details pros and cons. So, keep reading the article below for more information on your favorite one.
- What Is A Kayak Foot Peg or Foot Brace?
- Why Do I Need Foot Braces?
- How to Install Kayak Foot Pegs?
- 5 Best Kayak Footpegs Reviewed
- 1. Harmony Gear Slidelock Foot Brace System – Kayak Adjustable Foot Braces
- 2. Pelican Adjustable Kayak Foot Brace/Pegs – Kayak Foot Rest
- 3. Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs – Foot Pegs For Kayaks
- 4. Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Foot Braces – Kayak Foot Brace
- 5. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Inflatable Foot Brace
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping Up ( Foot Pegs & Braces For Kayaks)
What Is A Kayak Foot Peg or Foot Brace?
Footpegs or foot braces are specialized components integrated into kayaks to provide additional support to the paddler. They enable you to sit comfortably and help in maintaining the appropriate posture while kayaking. Similarly, they also contribute to safety by helping you turn the boat during strong currents and winds where it might be difficult to brace yourself.
These items are highly useful for beginners as they are characterized by the correct foot adjustment, which provides better control over the boat. This is especially true for taller and shorter people that often face difficulties while paddling, as standard kayaks do not provide additional footing space for tall people.
Why Do I Need Foot Braces?
Footpegs are a remarkable accessory included in the kayak design. They are designed to offer additional support to the paddler and have various advantages. Firstly, they can help navigate safely in stronger currents or winds. Secondly, they provide additional footing space for tall paddlers. Thereby ensuring better control during the activity. Lastly, they are highly effective in the case of sit-in kayaks. The reason for this is the higher pressure and movement of hips and knees in these boats as compared to their sit-on-top counterparts.
How to Install Kayak Foot Pegs?
Remove Existing Foot Braces
Installing the footpegs in the kayak is not a difficult task. You can start by unscrewing the previous foot braces included in the boat if any. Afterward, adjust the seat properly and resume your position.
Check: Best Kayak Seats
Measurements
Stretch your legs and mark the areas where you want to add the braces. You can use tape or any other marker for this purpose.
Drill The Holes
Then, drill the holes in the specified area. Be extremely careful while doing so. You can also mark the outside of the kayak to prevent unwanted issues.
You can skip drilling if you are installing existing foot braces into the same holes.
Install The New Foot Pegs
Once done, install the new braces, and remember to close the old holes if you had previously installed any pegs. Recheck whether you have installed the new ones correctly or not. Also, make sure to tighten the screws properly, and you are good to go.
5 Best Kayak Footpegs Reviewed
1. Harmony Gear Slidelock Foot Brace System – Kayak Adjustable Foot Braces
- Length: 13 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Harmony Gear Slidelock Foot Brace System, Black is second to none in terms of quality and performance. These tools are associated with perfect traction that enables you to adjust yourself without any difficulty. The versatility of these braces is evident from their compatibility with different types of footwear.
Thus, you do not need to worry about their performance or feel uncomfortable while paddling. We absolutely admire the additional kit available with the main packet that enables you to refit the existing braces with utmost precision. Apart from this, the main footpeg itself provides 13 inches of adjustment and is perfect for tall users.
We encourage you to purchase it if you are looking for the best kayak footpegs with respect to budget-friendliness. These are super inexpensive and can be afforded by the majority of the consumers. Last but not least, they are highly recommended for sit-in kayaks and can be adjusted while sitting inside.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Bottom Line
Harmony Gear Slidelock Foot Brace System, Black is our utmost recommendation to all beginners because of its effortless installation and easy controls. Furthermore, the main package is available with a hardware kit that includes all the materials required for arranging the product.
2. Pelican Adjustable Kayak Foot Brace/Pegs – Kayak Foot Rest
- Length: 18
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Pelican Adjustable Kayak Foot Brace/Pegs are the best kayak footpegs available in the market. You can easily install them in the boat with the help of a hardware kit incorporated in the product. The kit includes all the required materials for the organization, including screws and bolts to help you drill holes and integrate new braces in the kayak.
In addition to this, these braces are specifically designed for sit-in kayaks and offer additional space to adjust yourself comfortably. We highly recommend them for taller individuals since they have a lot of room for adjustments. Furthermore, the required adjustments can be carried out with the help of trigger lock design.
This helps in the identification of proper sitting positions for paddling and helps in navigation during strong winds and water currents. Similarly, they also ensure your safety throughout the kayaking activity and prevent you from losing your balance due to lack of support. Thus, making it among the top foot braces on our list.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Bottom Line
Pelican Adjustable Kayak Foot Brace/Pegs are incorporated with stainless steel fasteners that impart weather resistance abilities to these tools. Thus, you can use them in a variety of weather conditions without worrying about damage or rusting. We assure you would not feel disappointed with this investment.
3. Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs – Foot Pegs For Kayaks
- Length: 15 inches
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs never fail to amaze us with their extraordinary features and eye-catching design. These pegs are highly versatile in nature and can be used with a diverse range of boats, including sit-in and sit-on-top designs. Thus, you can use them without worrying about performance inefficiency.
We used them in our sit-in kayaks and found them extremely comfortable. You can use them barefoot, and we assure you they will not hurt or feel sharp. All these attributes, coupled with the trigger lock mechanism, add five stars to the product’s performance and make it stand out among its competitors.
Finally, the universal mounting holes are associated with the hassle-free installation of these braces in any type of boat with utmost precision. So, you can assemble them together by yourself without any expert guidance. However, there is no hardware kit available with the main package, so you might have to purchase it separately.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Bottom Line
Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs are beginner-friendly tools that are lightweight and compact. Thus, they are ideal for a wide variety of conditions. Similarly, the tracks provide 15 inches adjustments which increase its suitability for both short and tall individuals.
4. Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Foot Braces – Kayak Foot Brace
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Foot Braces, Black stands out among the rest of the competitors in terms of their superior attributes and top-notch construction. These lightweight tools are durable in nature and do not get affected by extreme weather conditions. So, you do not need to worry about rusting or damaging them due to external factors.
You can easily install them by yourself in a variety of kayak types. We observed that the tracks offered adjustments up to 12 inches which made it perfect for a wide variety of consumers. You can comfortably sit inside the kayak and mark your position. This also contributes to the enhanced precision and appropriate sitting position.
The required adjustments are attributed to the slide track system, which is popular for its effortless control and operation. Lastly, the product is available at affordable rates around the market and is affordable for the majority of consumers.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Bottom Line
Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Foot Braces, Black is a perfect alternative to some of the high-priced footpegs available in the market. Despite their low price, they are integrated with unrivaled attributes and do not display any performance inefficiency. Furthermore, besides the main package, a hardware kit is also included in the package and can be used for installation.
5. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Inflatable Foot Brace
- Length: 10 x 9 x 6 inches (inflated)
- Weight: 15 ounces
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Inflatable Foot Brace is specifically designed for advanced elements inflatable kayaks. However, they are versatile in nature and can be used on other related types of kayaks as well. So, you do not need to worry about their incompatibility with your boat. While purchasing, remember to check the dimensions of your boat to prevent unwanted issues.
Our favorite feature and the highlight of this product is the inflatable and deflation nature that enables you to operate it at your convenience. It also increases the storage and transportation abilities of these pegs and adds five stars to their overall performance. Hence, you can carry them around with ease.
Apart from this, you can place them in the front deck after inflation to provide additional support to your feet while paddling. Similarly, they also help in maintaining a proper sitting position. Thereby preventing back and neck injuries and poor posture. We encourage you to consider them a potential option if you are looking for the best kayak footpegs in 2021.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Bottom Line
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Inflatable Foot Brace is our ultimate recommendation to all beginners and pro paddlers looking for budget-friendly footpegs. They are lightweight and durable and, thus, can be carried around with ease. Furthermore, the hardware kit available with the main package offers hassle-free installation and is admired by a diverse range of consumers, including us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should legs be straight in a kayak?
It is advised to keep your legs bent while sitting in a kayak. Straight legs make it difficult to paddle and might often become uncomfortable with time. Similarly, the legs should be bent in a way that your knees touch the sides of the kayak to prevent numbness or cramping after hours of paddling. You can also consider supporting your position with foot braces that will help in adjustment along with stability.
Can you add foot braces to a kayak?
Yes, foot races can be included in a kayak to support your sitting position along with the required adjustments. Another benefit of these accessories is the enhanced protection while navigating through strong water currents and winds. These provide comfort while sitting and are highly useful for both short and tall individuals.
How do you adjust the footrest on a kayak?
For adjusting yourself, it is advised to sit properly with your back supported by the seat. Try to be as comfortable as possible. Then, extend your feet forward (place them on footpegs); remember to keep your legs bent. They should not be completely straight. Your toes should be pointing outwards, and your heels should be resting towards the center.
What are kayak footpegs for?
Kayak footpegs and braces are important accessories to make you sit comfortably in your kayak. They make you sit with a better posture for efficient paddling.
Do inflatable kayaks have footrest?
Inflatable kayaks don’t come with a footrest. You need to buy them separately and install them in your inflatable kayak (if possible in that model).
Wrapping Up ( Foot Pegs & Braces For Kayaks)
Nothing can be more exciting than upgrading your kayak. Footpegs are the most upgraded accessories in the majority of kayaks and contribute to remarkable stability, better adjustment, and enhanced protection. Based on a careful analysis of the above-mentioned products, the following are our top recommendations.
- Harmony Gear Slidelock Foot Brace System, Black because of its trouble-free installation, slidable lock, outstanding adjustment, and incredible hardware kit.
- Pelican Adjustable Kayak Foot Brace/Pegs for enhanced durability, weather-resistance, trigger lock design, versatility, and reduction in leakage.
- Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs due to universal fitting, excellent portability, durable design, lightweight, and effortless installation.
Hence, they are perfect for those looking for the best kayak footpegs in 2021.
Hi, I’m Randy R. Lios and the owner of Floating Kayaks. I’ve always been adventuresome at heart. From the time, I got my first kayak at age 18 until now when I have multiple kayaks with accessories and spend 5-6 hours researching all the new related stuff in the market. I have always been fond of fishing since my childhood and kayaking is part of my weekend routine.